'Why he's captain' Gordon Strachan praises Ethan Ampadu's leadership at Leeds | OneFootball

According to Leeds Live, Gordon Strachan has stressed Ethan Ampadu’s importance to Leeds United’s push for top-flight safety, on and off the pitch.

Ampadu has been pivotal this season but his form has dipped over the past two games and he conceded the decisive penalty for handball in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland. After full-time Daniel Farke voiced his disappointment yet again underlined that his captain remains his most important player.

He said Ampadu knew the incident was crucial and believed that if it had stayed 0-0 for longer Leeds would then have won. He added Sunderland were able to dig in and manage the game after scoring, and called the handball an instinctive reaction with no need to move his arm. Farke said the player was frustrated, wanting the win and at least a clean sheet.

Speaking before the Sunderland match, former Leeds title-winning captain Strachan praised the leadership Ampadu has shown this season, including unseen captain’s duties off the pitch, from helping with internal matters to offering support to team-mates.

He recalled a game in which Ampadu came on as a substitute and changed the tempo, dictating play at his own pace. Strachan highlighted his bravery in possession and timing of passes, calling him a difference-maker and explaining why he wears the armband.

He added that in the tunnel he is the kind of player you are glad to have on your side, and said he had been impressed by his contributions across the campaign.

Source: Leeds Live